Cortes announces school expansion in Budget speech and warns of climate crisis

In his budget address, John Cortes has announced plans to expand Gibraltar’s education infrastructure, confirming work is underway to add an extra floor to both Notre Dame and St Anne’s Schools to meet growing demand in the north district.

He said plans are also progressing for a new upper school at St Martin’s School, allowing pupils with additional needs to remain there until the age of 18.

Mr Cortes highlighted the new Gibraltar College at Europa Point as one of the Government’s biggest education investments, and said work at St Joseph’s Schools is expected to finish next September.

He also announced 49 new teaching posts and committed the Government to continue its investment in teachers, SEND provision, safeguarding and learning support, while exploring the use of artificial intelligence in education.

National Theatre and infrastructure

John Cortes said funding for Gibraltar’s National Theatre project is now “all but secured”, with construction expected to begin shortly.

He also pledged continued investment in Gibraltar’s road network, announcing £1.5 million for highway maintenance and resurfacing.

He said More than 7,250 square metres of roads have already been resurfaced over the past year, with further works planned alongside pavement repairs, disability ramps and pothole maintenance.

Mr Cortes said sewage infrastructure remains a Government priority.

He confirmed work on the Main sewer within the City walls has now been completed and highlighted ongoing repairs to defective sewers, including work in the Jumpers area where damaged infrastructure has contributed to sinkholes. He said further works in the area are planned.

He said the new wastewater treatment plant is expected to break ground by September and, alongside the Waste Management Facility, he described these as the most significant environmental infrastructure projects in a generation. 

Environment

John Cortes said Gibraltar remains committed to maintaining high environmental standards under the future UK-EU treaty arrangements, adding that compliance with European environmental legislation would continue.

He highlighted the Government’s 25-year Environment Plan and Climate Change Strategy and said more environmental legislation would be introduced shortly.

Among recent initiatives, he pointed to plans to expand Gibraltar’s solar energy network and introduce a framework for renewable energy communities to allow residents and small businesses to benefit from shared solar generation.

He also announced continued work to modernise food hygiene and food allergen legislation.

The Minister said 2024 air quality monitoring showed Gibraltar remained within all legal pollution limits, while road transport emissions have fallen by 28% since 2015.

Additional mosquito control measures are also being introduced, with officers treating storm drains in known breeding hotspots in response to the increasing threat of mosquito-borne diseases in southern Spain.

Upper Rock and heritage

John Cortes said work continues to transform the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, with Jungle Park and the Northern Defences expected to be ready early next year.

Future projects include a butterfly park at Lewis Battery, restoration work on various Batteries and improvements to the Great Siege Tunnels.

He said the electric shuttle bus introduced during the cable car closure had already carried more than 5,000 passengers since it’s launch at the start of June.

The Minister also announced the launch of a register of Gibraltar’s heritage buildings, structures and gardens.

Wildlife

Dr Cortes said yellow-legged gull numbers are now at their lowest level since monitoring began, with a 33% reduction since 2023.

The macaque population remains stable at around 200 animals, with monkeys entering urban areas now at an all-time low.

He also announced a partnership with wildlife presenter Nigel Marven to produce a documentary titled Wild Gibraltar, aimed at showcasing Gibraltar internationally.

Transport

Among transport measures announced were new electric buses, a new ticketing system due to launch in September and additional electric vehicle charging points.

The Minister also confirmed new speed cameras will allow on-the-spot fines, while intelligent cameras are already checking vehicle compliance, including MOT requirements.

He said new regulations for delivery drivers, more transport inspectors and additional CCTV will strengthen enforcement.

Morocco

Minister Cortes said Gibraltar continues to strengthen ties with Morocco and highlighted Gibraltar's role as a bridge between Europe and Africa "fostering cooperation, friendship and mutual respect across the Strait".

John Cortes ended his address by warning the  biggest threat to the world is the heating of our planet and said we must play our part and be an example to our youth – who are the future.